John Vander Hoek

John Vander Hoek, 73, of Aberdeen, SD, passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 31, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Gerald Thornton officiating.

Burial will be at Sacred Heart Cemetery following Mass.

A time for fellowship and luncheon will be at the parish hall following the burial.

Visitation will be from 5-7 on Thursday, October 30, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel, with a 7:00 p.m. liturgical wake service. Visitation continues one hour before Mass at the church.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com. Services will be recorded and posted on Schriver’s Facebook following the service.

John Allen Vander Hoek was born on November 15, 1951, to Carl and Mary (O’Donnell) Vander Hoek in Aberdeen, SD. He was raised in Aberdeen and graduated from Roncalli High School in 1971.

John was united in marriage to Nancy Merchant on November 3, 1984, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Aberdeen, SD. Their lives were made complete with the addition of their three sons: David, Patrick, and Alex. John and Nancy led an adventurous life together, spanning almost 41 years.

John dedicated 28 years to the Brown County Sheriff's Department and 13 years at Simmons Middle School before retiring. He continued to make his home in Aberdeen until his passing.

John was a faithful man with a generous heart. He was a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Parish, serving as a Eucharistic minister, and he took pride in his membership with the Knights of Columbus. He devoted countless hours volunteering at various organizations, including the Sacred Heart Food Pantry and the Senior Center. He was also active in the arts, having been involved with the Aberdeen Area Arts Council, the Aberdeen Community Theater, and the Aberdeen Community Concert Association.

An avid runner for many years, John proudly crossed the finish lines of events like Grandma's Marathon in Duluth and the Twin Cities Marathon in Minneapolis and St. Paul, as well as several mini triathlons and numerous 10k runs.

John had a great love for the outdoors and camping in his travel trailer, exploring from the Oregon Coast to Tennessee. His love for traveling took him far and wide, visiting places like Ireland, Great Britain, Germany, Austria, Costa Rica, Hawaii, and Alaska, among many others in the lower 48 states. John especially enjoyed hiking, most recently in Arenal Volcano National Park and Hanging Bridges in Costa Rica.

John wasn’t only generous in his volunteer work; he was a ten-gallon blood donor and, after he passed away, became a tissue and organ donor, reflecting his selfless character.

John is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Vander Hoek of Aberdeen, SD; sons: David Vander Hoek of Aberdeen, SD, Patrick Vander Hoek of Aberdeen, SD, and Alex Vander Hoek of Rapid City, SD; grandson, Samuel Lorenz; sister, Jeanne Zahn of Scottsdale, AZ; and brother, Bob (Vickie) Vander Hoek of Aberdeen, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary, and his sister, Kathy Manning.